Day: June 6, 2023

The Russian Language Day was commemorated at UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) today.

The language cerebration day was attended by UNECA staff, representatives of the Russian Embassy, diplomatic corps based in Addis Ababa, the Russian Centre for Science and Culture (Alexander Pushkin Centre), and the Russian community in Addis Ababa.

Russian Language Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010.

The Language Day is observed annually on June 6 at the United Nations and coincides with the birthday of Alexander Pushkin, the great Russian poet who is considered as the father of modern Russian literature.

Pushkin’s works are considered masterpieces, and include the novel: “Eugene Onegin”, and his poem “The Bronze Horseman” amongst others.

During the celebration, Ambassador of Russia to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin said this is not the first time we have been celebrating the Russian Language Day.

He said “today we have an exceptional opportunity to join this holiday and once again declare our love for our legal language, which is an integral part of our history and culture.”

The ambassador expressed his gratitude to the team of the UN Economic Commission for Africa for their cooperation in organizing this important event and for the opportunity to come together annually in a traditional and friendly atmosphere to celebrate Russian language day.

Acting Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Antonio Pedro said on his part the Russian language is the second most widely used language on the internet.

It is also the fourth most translated language in the world, and the seven most common language into which content is translated.

“This demonstrates the Russian language extends beyond the borders of the Russian Federation and to its use and status as an official language of the United Nations,” he stated.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopia’s national consultations will be held throughout the country in the upcoming Ethiopian New Year, National Dialogue Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said.

He told ENA that up to 700,000 Ethiopians will directly participate in the national dialogue.

According to him, representatives of the Council of Ethiopian Civil Societies, the Joint Council of Ethiopian Political Parties, the Ethiopian Teachers Association, Coalition of the Ethiopian National Edirs Associations, Inter Religious Council of Ethiopia, Woreda Court Judges, and representatives of the Special Woreda were involved in identifying the participants.

The chief commissioner stated that a system has also been in place to include representatives of displaced citizens.

Professor Mesfin also said that an agreement has been reached to work together with local administrations to create favorable conditions for conducting consultations in conflict areas.

He finally urged artists, elders, religious leaders, politicians, intellectuals, and youth to strengthen their cooperation with the National Dialogue Commission.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Government Communication Service (GCS) said that the latest report of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a distorted and misleading portrayal of the situation that attempts to undermine peaceful coexistence and fuel inter-ethnic conflict in Ethiopia.

In its press release sent to ENA, GCS downplayed the HRW report issued on 1st June 2023 which is an attempt to obstruct the national efforts for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia.

Human Rights Watch issued yet another sensational report containing a litany of allegations of grave human rights violations, the press release said.

The communication service also said the HRW released these allegations without conducting a thorough and credible investigation in all areas affected by the conflict.

“The allegations are not substantiated by evidence. This distorted and misleading portrayal of the situation attempts to undermine peaceful coexistence and fuel inter-ethnic conflict and obstruct the national efforts for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia,” it added.

Ethiopia has independent institutions such as the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection of human rights through a proper and comprehensive investigation of violations committed in the context of the conflict, it noted.

The Government has facilitated the Joint Investigation of UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The Inter-Ministerial Task Force has been implementing the recommendations of the Joint Investigation and working on the investigation, the rehabilitation of victims, and legislative reforms, the GCS indicated.

With the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the Government of Ethiopia has embarked upon nationwide consultations on Policy Options for Transitional Justice for Ethiopia, it added.

A number of consultations have been conducted with stakeholders in the Government, CSOs, political parties, and the international community.

The press release also said the transitional justice process will allow a comprehensive investigation.

“The truth will be told, and perpetrators of crimes committed will be held accountable. The National Dialogue Commission is working on addressing the root causes of conflicts and other national problems in the country.”

The Ethiopian Government has invited the OHCHR and EHRC Joint Team of Investigation to monitor the human rights situation in conflict areas in the northern part of the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency